Fan blade cleaning tool and method

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a fan blade cleaning tool having a box-shaped housing. The housing has first and second openings on opposing sides, with a passage extending therebetween for receiving a fan blade. A dust gutter extends outwardly from, and adjacent to, the first opening. A method of cleaning a fan blade using the disclosed tool is also provided.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . A method of cleaning a fan blade comprising:
 passing a fan blade through a passage extending through a box shaped housing while simultaneously cleaning opposing major surfaces of the fan blade; and   collecting debris from opposing major surfaces of the fan blade in a dust gutter during the passing.   
   
   
       27 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 26  further comprising simultaneously applying a polishing fluid to opposing major surfaces of the fan blade during the passing. 
   
   
       28 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 26  further comprising simultaneously applying a cleaning fluid to opposing major surfaces of the fan blade during the passing. 
   
   
       29 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 26  wherein passing a fan blade through a passage includes passing the fan blade between first and second cleaning pads secured within the passage. 
   
   
       30 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 29  comprising contacting the fan blade with a beveled cleaning pad edge to direct the fan blade into the passage. 
   
   
       31 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 29  further comprising removing the first and second cleaning pads from the passage and inserting new first and second cleaning pads into the passage. 
   
   
       32 . A method of cleaning a fan blade comprising:
 directing a fan blade into a first opening of a passage extending through a box shaped housing;   contacting opposing major surfaces of the fan blade with first and second cleaning pads secured within the passage;   removing the fan blade from the passage through a second opening; and   collecting debris from the opposing major surfaces of the fan blade in a dust gutter.   
   
   
       33 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 32  comprising directing a fan blade into a first opening larger than the second opening. 
   
   
       34 . The method of cleaning a fan blade of  claim 33  comprising collecting debris in a dust gutter adjacent the second opening as the fan blade is removed from the passage.